Push-button switch actuating mechanism for indicator



Feb. 28, 1967 H. H. AST 3,306,992

PUSH-BUTTON SWITCH ACTUATING MECHANISM FOR INDICATOR Filed Feb. 4, 1966 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 m/ra/vro Hf/QBJET Afr H. H. AST

Feb. 28, 1967 PUSH-IBUTTON SWITCH ACTUATING MECHANISM FOR INDICATOR 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 4, 1966 w jwa.

H. H. AST

Feb. 28, 1967 PUSH-BUTTON SWITCH ACTUATING MECHANISM FOR INDICATOR 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Feb. 4, 1966 Fag 4%- ,4rra24/0" H. H. AST

Feb. 28, 196? 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Feb. 4, 1966 United States Patent ware Filed Feb. 4, 1966, Ser. No. 525,231 9 Claims. (Cl. 200-) The invention relates to switching mechanisms and assemblies, and its relates more particularly to improved push-button switch actuating mechanisms for use in conjunction with electrical annunciators.

Copending application Serial No, 361,054, filed April 20, 1964, now Patent No. 3,268,889, in the name of the present inventor and assigned to the present iassignee, discloses and claims an improved electrical indicator of the annunciator type, and its also discloses an improved internal push-button switch actuating mechanism incorporated into such an indicator.

The indicator assembly described in the copending ap plication includes a push-button switch actuating mechanism. The mechanism serves to actuate one or more multi-pole sub-miniature switches, this being achieved merely by depressing the face plate of the indicator, when the indicator is mounted, for example, on a control panel. As pointed out in the copending application, the switch actuating mechanism is useful since it permits the operator to establish appropriate control operations as dictated by the electrically energized indications of the indicator.

The mechanism of the copending application was stated to be advantageous in that it was capable of controlling the operation of multi pole micro-type switches, and of permitting either momentary on-off operation of the switches as the actuating mechanism was depressed and released; or alternate on-01f operations of the switches as the actuating mechanism is successively depressed and released.

The improved push-button switch actuating mechanism of the present invention permits any required number of multi-pole sub-miniature switches to be included into an annunciator switching assembly, such as the assembly described in the copending application, without any need to increase the transverse dimensions of the assembly.

The improved switch actuating mechanism of the present invention also permits individual ones of the sub-miniature switches to be controlled on a momentary basis or on an alternate basis, in a manner to be described.

An object of the invention, therefore, is to provide an improved switch actuating mechanism which is flexible in its application in that it permits a control of any required number of sub-miniature switches without increasing the transverse dimensions of the unit.

A further object of the invention is to provide such an improved switch actuating mechanism which is simple and straightforward in its construction.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide such an improved switch actuating mechanism which is capable of operating even a relatively large number of switches without the need for the application of excessively high pressure to the mechanism.

Another object of the invention is to provide such an improved switch actuating mechanism which is positive in 's operation, and which is not susceptible to spurious switching operations due to vibrations and the like.

The embodiment of the invention to be described includes a supporting bracket which is intended to be mounted on the rear end of an annunciator, such as the in the aforesaid copending applica- The bracket is constructed to support a plurality of sub-miniature switch units in a manner such that sucthe switch operates cessive groups of the switch units are positioned along the bracket one adjacent the other, so as to maintain the transverse dimensions of the assembly constant, regardless of the number of switch units supported in the bracket.

The sub-miniature switch units are supported in the bracket, in are positioned to one side of the bracket, permitting connections conveniently to be made to the switch units, regardless of the number of switch units stacked in the bracket.

As is well known, the usual type of sub-miniature switch unit includes a plurality of push buttons which are spring loaded, and which, when depressed, cause the corresponding switch section to be actuated from one electrical condition to another.

In a construction to be described, a leaf actuator spring is mounted in the bracket -for each group of switch units, and it has resilient strip portions which are spring biased to a position such that they normally hold the spring loaded push buttons of all the switch units of the group in a depressed condition. Then, when the switch actuating mechanism is operated, an actuator plate which is slidably mounted in the bracket, engages the actuator spring. The actuator plate then serves to [lift the resilient strip portions of the spring out of engagement with the individual spring loaded buttons, so as to permit the switches of the group to operate from one condition to the other.

In a second embodiment of the invention, the aforementioned slidable switch actuator plate is inverted and to permit either momentary or alternate action inselected ones of the individual switches, as will be described.

The features of the invention which are believed to be new are set forth with particularity in the claims. The invention itself, however, together with further objects and advantages, may best be understood by reference to the following description, when the description is taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a modular unit constructed to incorporate -a switch actuating mechanism embodying one form of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is an end view of the switch actuating mechanism of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a top anism of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is a side view, partly in section, of the switch actuating mechanism of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 5 is a bottom view of the switch actuating mechanism of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 6 is an end view of the switch actuating mechanism constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention;

FIGURES 7, 8 and 9 are respective top, side and bottom views of the second embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 10 is a perspective view of a plastic spacer which may be included into the assembly to replace one or more of the switch units therein; and

FIGURES 11 and 12 show plan and elevational views respectively of a modified actuator spring used in the second embodiment of the invention.

The unit shown in FIGURE 1 may be constructed, insofar as the annunciator portion is concerned, in the manner described in the aforesaid copending application Serial No. 361,054, now Patent No. 3,268,889.

The annunciator unit is indicated in FIGURE 1 as 10. The unit 10 is of a modular construction, and it has a rectangular shape. A switch actuating mechanism .14 which, as noted above, can be constructed in accordance view of the switch actuating mecha manner such that their connection terminals 3 with the concepts of the invention, is mounted on the end of the modular unit 10.

The annunciator unit may include, for example, a plurality of electrically energized lamps, as described in the copending application. These lamps may be selectively electrically energized. When selected ones of the lamps in the unit 10 are energized, an indicia-bearing member 16, mounted on the front of the unit 10 in an appropriate bracket 18, becomes illuminated in a corresponding color.

The unit 10 includes an internal push-button mechanism, as also described in the copending application, and this push-button mechanism is operated merely by pushing the indicia-bea-ring member 16 inwardly into the easing 12 against a spring tension which is provided in the casing.

The sides of the casing 12 are made smooth. This permits a plurality of similar units to be assembled into a matrix, in side-by-side relationship. A small outwardly extending projection 10b is formed on each of the sides of the casing 12, and this projection engages a mating dimple in the adjacent unit. These projections and dimples serve to prevent relative movement of the individual units in the matrix.

Recesses in the form of grooves 10 are provided in the top and bottom of the unit 10. These grooves form passageways when like units are stacked on top of one another into a matrix. The pasageways receive screws which hold straps around the matrix, so as to hold the matrix in an assembled condition. This, likewise, is described in the copending application.

A pair of sub-miniature switch units 22 are supported in the switch bracket 20 of the switch actuating mechanism 14. These units in the illustrated embodiment, for example, each include two double-pole double-throw switch sections, separated by plastic spacers 23 (FIG- URE 10). The switch sections are operated by corresponding spring loaded push buttons 27. As illustrated, the terminals 25 of the switches extend to one side of the bracket 14, and the operating push buttons 27 (FIG- URE 4) extend to the other side. I

The switch actuating mechanism 14 of FIGURES 1-5 includes a pair of spring loaded striker plates 24 and 26, these being controlled by a barrel spring 28 which is interposed between the two plates. When the member 16 is depressed into the casing 12, a pin, or plunger (not shown) is caused to move against the striker plate 24. When the plunger moves against the striker plate 24, it causes the plate 26 to snap from one angular position to another. This, in turn, causes an actuator plate 32 (FIGURE 5), which is coupled to the striker plate 26 and which is slidably mounted in the bracket 20, to move longitudinally along the bracket from one position to another- The actuator plate 32 engages a pair of actuator leaf springs 34 and 36. These are L-shaped leaf springs, and they each extend down one side of a corresponding group of switch units 22 and across the push buttons 27 of the switch units of that group. As shown, for example, in FIGURES 4 and 5, the leaf type actuator spring 34 has a first portion which extends down the side of its corresponding group of switch units 22, and it has a second portion extending at right angles to the first portion and across the push buttons 27 of the switch units of that group. The leaf spring 36 is similarly configured.

The leaf actuator spring 34, for example, is supported in the bracket 20 at the end of its corresponding group of switch units 22. It has a plurality of inter-mediate strip portions 34a, as best shown in FIGURE 5, which extend across the corresponding push buttons 27 of the switch units of that group. The strip portions 34a are interconnected at their right hand ends in FIGURE 5 by an integral portion 34b.

The leaf-type actuator spring 36 is also constructed to have strip-like intermediate portions 36a which are interconnected by an integral end portion 36b.

When the switch actuating assembly is in the position shown in FIGURES 4 and 5, the switch actuator springs The switch actuator plate 32, in the position illustrated in FIGURES 4 and 5, therefore assists the actuator springs 34 and 36 in holding the push buttons 27 of both groups of switch units firmly in their depressed position. This means that there is no tendency for the switch units to be spuriously actuated even in the presence of severe exte-rnal shocks or vibrations.

When the switch actuating mechanism is snapped to its second position, the switch actuator plate 32 is drawn to the right in FIGURES 4 and 5. This causes a group of resilient finger portions 32a of the actuator plate 32 to move under the respective end portions 341) and 36b of the switch actuator springs 34 and 36. This action serves to lift the strip portions 34a and 36a of the respective switch actuator springs 34 and 36 away from the push buttons 27 of the switch units 22, and to cause the switch units to be electrically operated. The fingers 32a of the switch actuator plate 32 hold the actuator springs 34 and 36 firmly in their second position, so as to prevent spurious actuation of the switch units in the presence of ex.- ternal shock or vibration.

It will be appreciated, therefore, that the switch actuat ing mechanism of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGURES l-5 operates by causing the switch actuator plate 32 to slide along the bracket 20. It is also apparent that more or less groups of switch units 22 can be added to the unit without increasing its transverse dimensions, Moreover, the addition or subtraction of groups of switch units 22 does notaifect the pressure required to be exerted on the actuator plate 32 to any appreciable extent. This is because the actuator plate does not oppose the pressure of the push buttons 27 directly, and there is no need to provide increasing opposing spring pressure as the number of switch units is increased.

The striker plates 24 and 26 are pivotally mounted in the bracket 20 as best shown in FIGURES 4 and 5. The barrel spring 28 cooperates with the striker plates 24 and 26 in known manner, so as to provide a snap action when the striker plate 24, for example, is moved in a counterclockwise direction in FIGURE 4 by a plunger (not shown) from the associated unit of FIGURE 1. Plastic pivot cups 50 and 52 are provided at each end of the barrel spring 28, and these cups have slots which receive the ends of the striker plates 24 and 26.

A pair of assist springs 54 and 56 may be provided for the striker plate 24. These springs are mounted, for example, on a pin 58 which extends through the bracket 20 from one side to the other. The springs 54 and 56 bear against the striker plate 24, and assist the aforesaid plunger in overcoming the initial force of the spring 28. This reduces the pressure necessary to initiate the operation of the movement of the striker plate 24, while retaining the necessary force in the spring 28 to effect the snap action force on the striker plate 26 which, in turn, draws the actuator plate 32 along the bracket 20 from one position to the other.

The two groups of switch units 22 are mounted in the bracket 20 by rivets 60 extending through holes in the bracket, and through holes 62 in the individual switch units. When a switch unit is replaced by a spacer 23 (FIGURE 10) the rivets extend through appropriate holes 64 in the spacer unit.

As described in the copending application, the plunger control mechanism in the unit 10 can be constructed so that when the member 16 is first pushed into the casing, the switch operates. This causes the actuator plate 32 in FIGURES4 and 5, for example, to be moved from the illustrated position to a right hand position, in the manner described above. Then, when the member 16 is released,

the plunger operating mechanism returns to a cocked position, so that the actuator plate 32 does not return fully to its left hand position, but assumes an intermediate position so that the switch units 22 remain in their operated condition. Then, when the member 16 is again pushed into the casing and released, the switch actuating mechanism returns to the left hand position shown in FIGURES 4 and 5.

Therefore, when such a cooking mechanism is used, the switch units 22 are operated alternately between one electrical operating condition and another, for each actuation of the member 16.

When the aforementioned cocking mechanism is not used, however, the switch actuating mechanism is caused to assume the position in which the actuator plate 32 is displaced to the right in FIGURES 4 and 5, only so long as pressure is exerted against the member 16. When that pressure is removed, the spring 28 snaps the mechanism back to the left hand position illustrated in FIGURES 4 and 5. With the latter construction, therefore, the switch units 22 are operated momentarily only, and only so long as the member 16 is depressed.

Thus, there is an optional construction, using the mechanism described in the copending application, so as to provide an alternate on-ofl? operation of the switch units 22, or to provide a momentary on-off operation of the switch units, whichever may be desired.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG- URES 6-9, the slidable actuator plate 32 is turned upside down, and the previously described snap acting mechanism is replaced by the mechanism shown, for example, in FIGURES 7 and 8. Of course, the slidable actuator plate for the latter embodiment may be especially constructed therefor, if so desired.

The mechanism of FIGURES 6-9 includes a single striker plate 100 which is pivotally mounted on a pin 102, the pin extending across the bracket 20 from one .side to another.

A pair of springs 104 and 106 are mounted on the pin 102, and these springs bear against the striker plate 102, to bias it in a counterclockwise direction to the position shown, for example, in FIGURE 8.

When the striker plate 100 is in the position shown in FIGURE 8, the slidable actuator plate 32 is drawn to the right, so that it normally assumes the position shown in FIGURE 8. When a plunger (not shown) from the associated annunciator unit moves against the plate 100, it rotates the plate about the pin 102, and against the pressure of the springs 104 and 106. This rotation of the plate 100 causes the slidably mounted actuator plate 32 to move to the left in FIGURE 8.

As mentioned above, the plunger may be controlled by the annunciator mechanism so that it assumes any of three distinct positions. That is, it may assume a position in which the slidably mounted actuator plate 32 is normally disposed to the right, as shown in FIGURE 8. The plunger may then be depressed to a fully actuated position, in which the plate 32 is moved to the extreme left in FIGURE 8. Then, when the plunger is released, it may either cause the plate 32 to return to the extreme right position shown in FIGURE 8, or it may be cocked, during which the plate 32 returns to an intermediate position.

The construction of FIGURES 6-9 permits the switches 22 either to remain operated when the actuator plate 32 is in the cocked position, or to return to the unoperated state. In this manner, when the actuator plate 32 is caused to return to the cocked position, selected ones of the switch units 22 may be controlled so that they return to their unoperated condition, whereas selected others of the switch units 22 can be controlled to remain in their operated position.

In this manner, the overall assembly may include any selected number of switch units 22 whose operation is momentary, even though the operating mechanism returns to its cocked position, where as any desired number of other switch units 22 are caused to be operated alternately.

The latter embodiment includes, for example, a pair of L-shaped switch actuator leaf springs and 112 (FIG- URE 9). These leaf springs have generally a similar configuration to the actuator leaf springs 34 and 36 of the previous embodiment.

When the actuator plate 32 is in the normal extreme right position, and as best shown in FIGURE 9, it holds both the actuator springs 110 and 112 down on all the buttons 27, so that all the switch units 22 are in their operated state. Then, when the mechanism is operated, so that the actuator 32 moves to the extreme left hand position, the turned-down section 32a (FIGURE 8) of the actuator plate 32 move under the right hand extremities of the corresponding actuator springs 110 and 112, and lift the springs physically off the buttons.

However, when the plate 32 returns to an intermediate cocked position, the turned-down portions from under the right hand extremities of the actuator springs 110 and 112. These springs are then free to move resiliently down on their corresponding buttons 27, or to remain clear of the buttons, until physically forced down on them by the return of the actuator 32 to its extreme right position.

This means that the switch units are free, depending on the configuration of their individual actuator springs 110 and 112, either to return to the button-engaged position for momentary operation, when the actuator 32 is in the cocked position; or to remain in their button-disengaged position for alternate operation, when the actuator plate 32 is in that position.

It is also possible to split the right hand interconnecting portion of the springs 110 and 112 (FIGURE 12), so that individual switch units may be controlled, by the suitable configuration of the associated portions of the springs 110 and 112, either to return to their operated condition, or to remain in their unoperated condition, when the actuator plate 32 returns to the cocked position, not shown.

A particular configuration for the actuator spring 112 to permit it to operate two of the switches on an alternate basis and one on a momentary basis is shown in FIG- URES 11 and 12. It will be seen in that figure that the extremity 112a which normally inter-connects the three strips 112b, 1120 and 112a is sheared off between the strips 112a and 112d. Also, the two strips 1121) and 1120 are bent down with respect to the strip 112d.

Therefore, when the actuator plate 32 is returned to the cocked position, the strip 112d moves up and against its associated button 27, so that its switch unit 22 returns to the operated position. The strips 112b and 1120, however, remain away from their switch buttons 27, so that their switches remain in the unoperated condition.

However, when the actuator plate 32 is ultimately returned to its fully retracted position, the turned-down portion 32a of the plate moves from under the portions associated with all the strips 112b, 112a and 112:], so that all the switches are returned and held in their operated position.

The invention provides, therefore, an improved pushbutton type of annunciator/switch actuating mechanism. The particular mechanism of the present invention is advantageous in that a large number of sub-miniature type switches may be controlled, and these may be added to or taken from the assembly, simply and expeditiously, and without increasing the transverse dimensions of the assembly in any way.

Also, the improved actuating mechanism of the invention operates in a manner such that a large number of switches can be operated without the need to exert excessive operating forces on the assembly.

When the controlled switches are in the operated or unoperated state, the actuating members are held rigidly and firmly, so that there is no likelihood of spurious operation of the switches in the presence of external shocks or vibrations.

While particular embodiments of the invention have been described, modifications may be made. It is intended in the claims to cover the modifications which fall within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A switching assembly including: a bracket; a platelike first actuating means slidably mounted in said bracket for reciprocal linear movement with respect thereto; at least one switching unit including a spring loaded push button; and a resilient second actuating means mounted in said bracket and having a portion thereof underlying said first actuating means and in position to engage said push button and to cause said push button to be actuated when said portion of said second actuating means is moved between a first position and a second position, said first actuating means including a portion overlying and engaging said second actuating means to cause said portion of said second actuating means to move essentially perpendicularly to the path of said first actuating means between said first and second positions as said first actuating means is slidably moved in said bracket from one position to another.

2. The switching assembly defined in claim 1 in which said second actuating means is a leaf spring having an L-shaped configuration, and is mounted in said bracket for angular resilient movement between a first and second angular position by said first actuating means.

3. The switching assembly defined in claim 1 and which includes a pair of spring-loaded plunger-actuated striker plates pivotally mounted in said bracket and coupled to said first actuating means for imparting a snap-action to said first actuating means.

4. The switching assembly defined in claim 3 and which includes an assist spring coupled to one of said striker plates to assist in overcoming the pressure of the springloaded striker plates during the initial stages of the actuation thereof.

5. The switching assembly defined in claim 1 in which said portion of said first actuating means moves over said second actuating means and biases said second actuating means against said push button when said first actuating means is in a first position, and in which said first actuating means includes at least one finger portion which moves under said second actuating means and biases said second actuating means away from said push button when said first actuating means is in a second position.

6. The switching assembly defined in claim 1 in which said portion of said second actuating means is a leaf spring; and which includes a plurality of switching units mounted in side-by-side relationship in said bracket, and a corresponding plurality of spring-loaded push buttons associated therewith to be engaged by said leaf spring; and in which said first actuating means is in the form of a plate slidable in said bracket and in which said portion of said first actuating means moves over said leaf spring to move it against said push buttons when said plate is in one position and in which said first actuating means includes a second portion which moves under said leaf spring to move it away from said push buttons when said plate is in a second position.

7. The switching assembly defined in claim 6 and which includes a pair of plunger-actuated spring-loaded striker plates pivotally mounted in said bracket and coupled to said first actuating means for reciprocally moving said first actuating means in said bracket between said one position and said second position.

8. The switching assembly defined in claim 1 in which said portion of said second actuating means is in the form of a leaf spring, and which includes a plurality of switching units mounted in side-by-side relationship in said bracket, and a corresponding plurality of spring-loaded push buttons associated therewith to be engaged by respective individual resilient strip sections of said leaf spring; and in which said first actuating means is in the form of a plate slidable in said bracket in which said portion of said first actuating means moves over said leaf spring to move all said individual resilient strip sections against said push buttons when said plate is in one position, which includes a second position which moves under said leaf spring to move all said individual resilient strip sections away from said push buttons when said plate is in a second position; and in which said individual strip sections are free to move away from corresponding ones of said push buttons when said plate is in an intermediate position.

9. The assembly defined in claim 8 in which said individual strip sections are configured to release selected ones of said push buttons when said plate is in said intermediate position.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,841,659 7/1958 Eitel 200-5 2,910,874 3/1959 Jonassen 2005 X 3,240,884 3/1966 Boadle et al. 2005 ROBERT K. SCHAEFER, Primary Examiner.

I. R. SCOTT, Assistant Examiner. 

1. A SWITCHING ASSEMBLY INCLUDING: A BRACKET; A PLATELIKE FIRST ACTUATING MEANS SLIDABLY MOUNTED IN SAID BRACKET FOR RECIPROCAL LINEAR, MOVEMENT WITH RESPECT THERETO; AT LEAST ONE SWITCHING UNIT INCLUDING A SPRING LOADED PUSH BUTTON; AND A RESILIENT SECOND ACTUATING MEANS MOUNTED IN SAID BRACKET AND HAVING A PORTION THEREOF UNDERLYING SAID FIRST ACUTATING MEANS AND IN POSITION TO ENGAGE SAID PUSH BUTTON AND TO CAUSE SAID PUSH BUTTON TO BE ACTUATED WHEN SAID PORTION OF SAID SECOND ACTUATING MEANS IS MOVED BETWEEN A FIRST POSITION AND A SECOND POSITION, SAID FIRST ACTUATING MEANS INCLUDING A PORTION OVERLYING AND ENGAGING 